Roller skate

ABSTRACT

An angled large wheel and out-of-line roller skate having an engineered plastic frame forming fore and aft downwardly-angled openings extending in a lateral direction in lateral frame members. Each of the openings has secured therein an end of a respective fore or aft axle, each of which in turn rotatably supports a canted fore or aft wheel. Each of the wheels has an engineered-plastic wheel hub and a tire thereon. The axles each have stepped configurations corresponding to the stepped configurations of their respective frame openings. Axle nuts at the ends of the axles are secured relative to the frame by respective retainer clips. The fastener securing the fore retainer clip to the frame can also secure a frame cap to the top toe end of the frame. Wheelwashers having outward stepped configurations are sandwiched between the frame and the bearing races of the wheels. A pair of tapered posts extend laterally out from the boot cradle, which is attached to the frame, and towards the rear wheel. The openings of a wheelguard are fitted onto the posts and screwed thereto. The brake arm assembly is attached at one end to the frame and has a recessed area proximate to and for the rear wheel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In 2005 a radically new roller skate design was introduced by LandRollerInc. of Hermosa Beach, Calif. This skate has a large (approximatelyfive-and-a-half inch) front wheel and an even larger (approximatelyseven inch) rear wheel, both mounted in an inwardly-canted orientationto an outboard (lateral) side of the skate and in parallel offset planeswith the plane of the rear wheel extending down and near the centerlineof the roller skate. This design using large wheels provides for asmoother, more maneuverable and more stable ride with increased glidetime than the ride provided by the previous in-line skates with theirsmaller and narrower wheels. The resulting reduced chatter and vibrationreduces skater fatigue thereby allowing him to ride more comfortably andfor longer sessions. Time Magazine selected this skate as one of the“most amazing inventions” in 2005. This large canted-wheel, out-of-lineskate design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,951,028, 6,273,437 and6,443,464 (see also U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,804 (Cudmore)), and an improvedwheel and tire combination therefor is disclosed in US 2007/0096542 (Vander Palen et al.). The entire contents of these patents and thispublished application are hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein is an improved large angled-wheel or “out-of-line”roller skate having a frame supporting fore and rear axles extending ina lateral direction from the frame and supporting canted fore and rearwheels, respectively, for rotation thereabout. Also disclosed herein isan improved axle assembly for that roller skate.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention the frameis made of an injection-molded engineered plastic. The plastic forlightweight frames can be urethane or nylon-based plastics with at leastfive percent carbon fiber and for heavier frames it can be urethane ornylon-based plastics with at least twenty-five percent glass fiber, orLong Glass Fiber.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheelsinclude hubs made of an engineered plastic and (urethane) tires on thehubs. The plastic for light-weight wheel hubs can be a urethane-basedplastic with at least five percent carbon fiber, and for heavier andless expensive wheel hubs, it can be urethane-based plastics with atleast five percent glass fiber.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, aretaining clip attached at one end to the frame retains relative to theframe, the axle nut on an end of the fore or aft axle.

According to a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, aboot cradle is attached to the frame, wherein the cradle has a pair ofintegrally-formed tapered posts extending in a lateral directionoutwardly towards the rear wheel. A wheel guard has first and secondopenings in which the first and second posts are, respectively,positioned and secured thereto.

According to a yet still further preferred embodiment a frame cap issecured to a forward top surface of the frame. The frame cap can besecured with a fastener, which also secures a retaining clip for a frontaxle nut to the frame.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, awheelwasher is sandwiched between an outside surface of the frame and abearing race of one of the wheels with the corresponding axle passingthrough the wheelwasher. The wheelwasher has a flat back face againstthe frame side surface and a raised inner ring on the front surface. Theraised inner ring is dimensioned so that only the inner race of theinboard bearing of that wheel is contacted by the wheelwasher. Aproperly sized flat washer can also be used.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the axle has a steppedconfiguration and the corresponding frame opening has a similar steppedconfiguration. A retaining nut is secured to an end of the axle andabuts a surface of the frame at the opposite end of the opening.

According to a still further preferred embodiment, a brake arm of abrake arm assembly is attached at one end to the frame and at anotherend to a brake pad, also of the brake arm assembly. The assemblyincludes a recessed area immediately adjacent to and for the rear wheel,thereby improving skating stability.

According to a yet still further preferred embodiment, the frame has alateral side protrusion, a frame member secured to, integrally formedwith and extending in a lateral direction out from the side edge andincluding formed therein the downwardly-angled axle opening.

The present invention is also directed to and includes the individualcomponents of the roller skate, such as the plastic frame, the retainingclip, the plastic hub, the wheel, the cradle, the wheel guard, the frontplate, and the brake arm assembly, and various assemblies andsubassemblies thereof. An example of a subassembly is the axle assemblyof the invention.

Further, the present invention includes the method of making the rollerskate and its various components. An example thereof is the method offorming the stepped axle opening in the plastic frame.

Even further, the present invention includes the methods of assemblingthe roller skate, and/or subassemblies thereof. An example thereof isthe method of assembling the frame cap and the front retainer clip usinga single fastener. Another example thereof is assembling the axles usinga retainer nut held in place by a retainer clip (or similar retainingmeans) which is secured to the frame.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which thepresent invention pertains from the foregoing description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller skate of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the front or rear hub of the rollerskate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the hub of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hub portion of thewheel taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the frame of the roller skate of FIG. 1illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the frame;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the frame;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is rear end view of the frame;

FIG. 20 is a front end view of the frame;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the brake arm of the roller skate ofFIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the brake arm of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the brake arm;

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the brake arm;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front end view of the brake arm;

FIG. 27 is a rear end view of the brake arm;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the brake pad of the roller skate ofFIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the brake pad of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the brake pad;

FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the brake pad;

FIG. 32 is a front end view of the brake pad;

FIG. 33 is a rear end view of the brake pad;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the frame cap of the roller skate ofFIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 35 is a rear end view of the frame cap of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the frame cap;

FIG. 37 is a front end view of the frame cap;

FIG. 38 is a left side elevational view of the frame cap;

FIG. 39 is a right side elevational view of the frame cap;

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the right side wheelguard of the rollerskate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 41 is an elevational view of the right side wheelguard of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a bottom plan view of the right side wheelguard of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is an end elevational view of the right side wheelguard of FIG.40;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the front or rear axle of the rollerskate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 45 is a rear end view of the axle of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a front end view of the axle;

FIG. 47 is a plan or elevational view of the axle;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 48-48 of FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the retaining clip of the roller skateof FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 50 is a top view of the retaining clip of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a left end view of the retaining clip;

FIG. 52 is a side elevational view of the retaining clip;

FIG. 53 is a right end view of the retaining clip;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the wheelwasher of the roller skate ofFIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

FIG. 55 is an elevational view of the wheelwasher of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a side view of the wheelwasher;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the roller skate of FIG. 1 with a boottherein; and

FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of the roller skate and boot of FIG.57.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate likeparts, disclosed herein is an improved angled (large) wheel andout-of-line roller skate shown generally at 100. It is shown fromvarious angles in FIGS. 1-6 and informative cross-sectional views aredepicted in FIGS. 8-10. Various ones of the individual components of theskate 100 are shown enlarged, in isolation, in detail and from variousangles in FIGS. 11-56. Further reference will be made to them when therespective components are discussed in detail later in this disclosure.

To better understand the various components of the roller skate 100 andhow they are assembled, an exploded perspective view is provided by FIG.7. Referring thereto, reference numerals assigned to various of thecomponents are as follows: frame 110, frame sidewall 120, frame foremember 130, frame fore opening 140, frame rib configuration 150, framevertical fastener-receiving openings 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, fore axle210, forward wheel 220, fore outer bearing 230, fore bearing spacer 240,fore inside bearing 250, fore wheelwasher 260, fore retainer nut 270,fore retainer clip 280, frame cap 290, cap fastener 300, rear axle 310,rear wheel 320, rear outside bearing 330, rear bearing spacer 340, rearinside bearing 350, rear wheelwasher 354, rear member 360, rear opening370, rear axle retainer nut 380, rear retainer clip 390, rear fastener400, cradle 410, lateral opening 420, medial opening 430, front opening440, front T-nut fastener 450, bottom fasteners 460, 470, rear opening480, rear T-nut fastener 490, fastener side tapered pegs 500, 510,wheelguard 520 having openings 530, 540, screws 550, 560, brake armassembly shown generally at 570, brake arm 580, brake arm recessed area590, brake arm opening 600, brake pad 610, brake pad recessed area 620,brake pad opening 630, brake pad fastener 640, brake arm openings 650,660, brake arm fasteners 670, 680, brake arm fastener threaded insertcaps 690, 700, and brake arm ribs 710.

The front and rear wheels 220, 320 have the same constructions andshapes. The front wheel 220 (hub 720 plus urethane tire 730) has adiameter of between one hundred and ten and two hundred millimeters, orapproximately one hundred and fifty millimeters. In contrast, the rearwheel 320 (hub 740 plus urethane tire 750) has a diameter of between onehundred and forty and two hundred and fifty millimeters, orapproximately one hundred and eighty millimeters. The large diameterangled wheels 220, 320, as shown in FIGS. 12-13, on the skate 100 of thepresent invention need to be both strong and rigid (high flexuralstrength and modulus) to prevent excessive rim flexing during skatingunder load. Pursuant to the present invention, several urethane based“engineered plastics” can be used in injection molds to make strong,stiff, lightweight, low-cost wheel hubs 720, 740 that bond to theurethane tires 730, 750. For lightweight wheel hubs, urethane-basedplastics with at least five percent carbon fiber can be used, and thecarbon fiber upper limit can be forty percent. This material alsoprovides for a new construction for lightweight racing wheel hubs forinline skates pursuant to this invention. For heavier, but lessexpensive wheel hubs, urethane-based plastics with at least five percentglass fiber can be used. For glass fiber the upper limit is sixtypercent; there is long and short glass fiber. For the wheel hubs 720,740, generally any rigid thermoplastic polyurethane with enough carbonfiber or glass fiber loading to provide sufficient stiffness can beused.

Referring to FIGS. 14-20, the frame 110 of the skate 100 needs to beboth strong and rigid, having high flexural strength and modulus toprevent excessive flexing during skating under load. Because both wheels220, 320 are only on one side of the boot 760 (see FIGS. 57 and 58),flexing under load will tend to twist the frame 110, which will thencause the wheels to turn so that they are no longer parallel to thecenterline of the frame. Specifically, the front wheel 220 will turn inand the rear wheel 320 will turn out. This will cause the skate 100 tosteer across the centerline of the skater's intended path. To compensatefor this, the skater would have to continuously correct his direction oftravel, resulting in an unsatisfactory skating experience.

The present invention provides for a novel construction which usesespecially rigid (high flexural modulus) materials to resist thisundesirable twisting of the frame 110 under load. The shape,construction and curvature of this frame 110, as depicted in FIGS.14-20, are completely different than the diecast aluminum frame used inthe above-discussed prior art out-of-line skate. The materials that werediscovered by the applicant to provide the desired attributes of theframe 110 are urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least fivepercent carbon fiber (and less than forty percent) for lightweightframes. Urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least twenty-fivepercent glass fiber, or Long Glass Fiber, can be used for heavier, butless expensive frames. The weight of the frames 110 for thirty percentcarbon-filled plastic is approximately two hundred and ten grams. Thefifty percent long glass fiber-filled nylon frames weigh approximatelytwo hundred and fifty grams. The “rigid” materials can have a flexuralmodulus of generally 2,400,000 psi for thirty percent carbon-filledpolyurethane and 2,200,000 psi for fifty percent long-glass fiber-fillednylon.

The plastic frame 110 has a peripheral sidewall 120, a rib configuration150 within the sidewall, and a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 within the ribconfiguration. On the outboard side of the sidewall 120 and extending inlateral directions out therefrom are a fore member 130 and an aft member360. Each defines therein the fore and aft downwardly-angled openings140, 370, respectively, for the fore and aft axles 210, 310,respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, the frame 110 has a generallyhourglass shape configuration when viewed from the top, similar to thatof the user's footprint, with a wide forward area, a slightly smallerrear area, and a thinner connecting neck. The total length of the frame110 can be between one hundred and fifty and three hundred and fiftymillimeters, or approximately two hundred and ninety millimeters. Themaximum width at the wide forward area can be between forty and onehundred millimeters, or approximately seventy millimeters; the maximumwidth at the rear area can be between twenty and one hundredmillimeters, or approximately fifty millimeters; and the minimum widthat the neck can be between ten and eighty millimeters, or approximatelythirty-five millimeters. Referring to FIG. 16, the vertical distancebetween the uppermost and lowermost points can be between twenty-fiveand one hundred millimeters, or approximately fifty millimeters.

An improved means for retaining the axles 210, 310, as depicted inisolation in FIGS. 44-48, more securely relative to the frame 110, atthe correct angle, and with a tight fit for the axles can be usedpursuant to the present invention. The engineered plastic frame 110 isinjection molded with only a conical indentation at each axle holelocation (in the respective frame member). After the frame is injectionmolded, it is positioned in a “fixture” which allows the axle holes tobe drilled at a precise angle and location and to tight tolerances.Since the threaded length of the axle is a much smaller diameter thanthe main or load bearing part of the axles 210, 310 (six millimetersversus ten millimeters), the axle hole diameter can be “stepped” withsteps 780, 790, and plate 800 having a hole, to allow the nuts 270, 380to contact the maximum surface area of the plastic frame. This can bedone by using a precision step drill, or a non-precision step drill witha reaming follow-up step. If necessary, another third diameter to a stepdrill can be used to “clean up” the outer surface of the frame. Thismethod forms dimensionally-precise axle holes 140, 370 without weakeningthe plastic in critical areas of the frame 110. (Instead of using theabove-described method, a stepped slide pin alternatively can be used.)The front axle 210 is held in hole 140 at an angle of between fifteenand forty degrees, or approximately twenty-seven degrees, angleddownwardly from the horizontal. Similarly, the rear axle 310 is held inhole 370 at an angle of between fifteen and forty degrees, orapproximately twenty-seven degrees, angled downwardly from thehorizontal.

Due to the angle of the axle, relative to the frame, that is necessaryin an “out-of-line” skate similar to the above-discussed prior artskate, it has been found by the applicant that the axle nuts 270, 380cannot be easily retained in any simple injection-molded frame design.And if the nut is not held in its place at all times, the nut may bepushed out of position during any operation that involves completelyunscrewing the axle, such as when the user decides to change a wheel ora bearing. If the axle is not retained, the nut may be pushed out of itsproper position when the axle is reinserted into the axle hole and itmay fail to engage the threads of the nut.

Accordingly, novel nut retaining clips 280, 390 (or resilient retainingmembers or retaining means) are provided by the present invention whichkeep the nuts 270, 380 in their proper location when the axle 210, 310is removed and then reinserted. The clips 270, 380 are shown inisolation and from various angles in FIGS. 49-53. Without this clip, theuser will most likely have to remove the boot 760 (see FIGS. 57 and 58)from the frame 110 to realign the nut to engage the axle threads. Thiswould be a frustrating and time consuming step by the user.

Referring to FIGS. 49-53, it is seen that each of the clips 270 or 380is formed from a single strip of metal, such as steel or aluminum, bentto form first, second, third, fourth and fifth portions, 810, 820, 830,840, 850, each disposed at a different angle relative to the portion orportions adjacent thereto. The first portion 810 has a hole 860 forreceiving therein a fastener 300 or 440 which secures the retaining clipto the frame 110, and the fourth portion 840 has a hole 870 forreceiving an end of the respective axle 210 or 310. Referring to FIG.52, the retainer clip 270 or 380 can have a horizontal dimension betweentips of 19.82 millimeters, and referring to FIG. 58, it can have a widthdimension of ten millimeters.

“Stepped” wheelwashers 260, 354 placed against the frame 110 at themembers 130, 360 and around the axle hole provide significantadvantages. The wheelwashers 260 or 354 is shown in isolation in FIGS.54-56. The “step” formed by an inner ring 880 on the ring 890 allowsonly the inner race of the innermost wheel bearing race 250 or 350 tocontact the wheelwasher. The outer diameter of the wheelwasher is twentymillimeters, the inner diameter is ten millimeters, the outer diameterof the inner ring is fifteen millimeters, the thickness of the ring is1.0 millimeter and the additional thickness of the inner ring is 0.50millimeter. Although a much smaller diameter wheelwasher could allow thesame limited contact (which allows the bearing to free spin), it wouldhave the disadvantage of not spreading the compression force loadsacting on the plastic frame surface. The large diameter of thespecially-shaped axle wheelwashers 260, 354 distributes the compressionforces over a large surface area on the plastic frame 110 therebyminimizing stress concentration and localizing plastic deformation. Thestep portion (inner ring 880), which is sized to ensure that only theinner race 250, 350 of the inboard bearing is contacted by thewheelwashers 260, 354 allows for smooth, unbinding bearing operation.The wheelwashers 260, 354 can be made of zinc-plated steel alloy, orsimilar material. A properly sized flat washer can also be used.

The stepped axle 210 (or 310) thus passes through the outer race 230 (or330), the center opening of the bearing spacer 240 (or 340) (in thecenter of the hub of the wheel 220 (or 320)), the inside bearing 250 (or350), the wheelwasher 260 (or 354), the stepped frame opening 140 (or370), and the retainer nut 270 (or 380) which is screwed onto orotherwise secured to the end tip of the axle. The step of the axle abutsthe step at the end of the opening. The retainer clip 280 (or 390) issecured at one end by a fastener 300 (or 400) to the frame. The axle endpasses through the opening 870 in the clip 280 and the end portion 850of the clip wraps around the nut.

The wheelguard 520 for the cradle 410 helps to prevent the users pantlegs, boot laces, fingers and the like from getting caught in the wheels320. Pursuant to the present invention the wheelguard 520, as shown inisolation in FIGS. 40-43, is attached to the cradle 410. Openings 530,540 in the wheelguard 520 slip over tapered pins or pegs 500, 510 thatare integrated into the boot cradle 410, which can be formed of plastic,for example. Screws 550, 560 are then passed through the wheelguard 520and into the tapered pins 500, 510, providing a more secure connection.The wheelguard 520 can be made of plastic, for example.

The boot cradle 410 is secured to the frame 110 by the fastener 554passing up through frame opening 170, through cradle opening 400 andsecured at its end by T-nut fastener 450, and also by fastener 470extending up through frame hole 190, through a cradle hole and securedat an end by T-nut fastener 570. The boot cradle 410 has weight reducingand decorative holes 460, 470.

For example, two frame sizes can be used to cover multiple sizes of theboots 760. Over the size range for each frame size, different lengthboot cradles with varying toe cap positions are used to allow forgreater size flexibility over a given frame size. The smaller boot sizesfor a given frame size use a toe cap positioned in a manner that doesnot fully cover the end of the frame, that is, the forward open end ofthe frame is exposed. This exposure creates an unfinished andunattractive appearance, and more importantly, potentially allows dirtand water to accumulate in the front end of the frame. A tight fittingframe cap 290, as shown in isolation in FIGS. 34-39, is secured by ascrew 300 through the cap hole 890 into the frame 110 (whichsimultaneously secures the nut retaining clip 280), solves both cosmeticand practical functions. The frame cap 290 can be made generally of anyrigid plastic.

The brake arm assembly 530 is attached at one end of the brake arm 580(see FIGS. 21-27) and the (rubber) brake pad 610 (see FIGS. 28-33)extends out from the other end. The brake arm assembly 530 has acontinuous recessed area 900 formed by recessed part 590 in the brakearm 580 and recessed part 620 in the brake pad 610. The brake arm 580can be made, for example, of nylon 6/6 with fifty percent glass fiberfill. The recessed area 900 allows the rear wheel 320 to be moved closerto the centerline of the boot 760 than in the prior art brake arm. Thisimproves skating stability by positioning the ground contact point ofthe rear wheel 320 as close to the centerline of the boot 760 aspossible. In other words, skating stability is improved by being able toposition the contact point of the rear wheel 320 closer to the bootcenterline. Variations in distances of the rear wheel 320 from thecenterline can be caused by the design of the boot and particularly thewidth of the rear third of the boot.

The brake arm 580 is secured to the frame by fasteners 670, 680 passingthrough arm holes 650, 660, respectively, and frame holes 200, 180,respectively, and secured by insert caps 690 and 700, respectively. Ribs710 on the top of the arm fit into openings in the bottom of the frame.Fastener 640 passes through arm hole 600 and onto pad peg 630 to securethe pad to the arm.

FIGS. 57 and 58 show a boot 760 fastened in and to the frame 110 of theroller skate 100. It is held in place by front and rear T-nut fastenerswhich slip fit into the fastener opening in the cradle 400 as shown forexample in FIG. 1.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that thereare a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the presentinvention which come within the province of those skilled in the art.For example, the roller skate can be an in-line skate, or the wheel canbe for skates other than the present out-of-line skate. Further, thescope of the invention includes any combination of the elements from thedifferent species or embodiments disclosed herein, as well assubassemblies, assemblies, and methods of using and making thereof. Forexample, the axle assembly can form a separate invention. It is intendedthough that all such variations not departing from the spirit of theinvention be considered as within the scope thereof.

1. A. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateralside opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral sideopening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rearwheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening andsupporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to theframe; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening andsupporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to theframe. the frame having a well; a front or rear axle nut disposed in thewell and attached to the front or rear axle; and a retaining clippositioned to retain the axle nut in place in the well.
 2. The rollerskate of claim 1 wherein the retaining clip has an opening through whichan end of the front or rear axle passes.
 3. The roller skate of claim 1wherein the retaining clip has a first clip portion, a second clipportion extending out from and angled with respect to the first clipportion, a third clip portion extending out from and angled with respectto the second clip portion, a fourth clip portion extending out from andangled with respect to the third clip portion, and a fifth clip portionextending out from and angled with respect to the fourth clip portion.4. The roller skate of claim 3 wherein the second clip portion has anaxle receiving hole and the fifth clip portion has a through-holethrough which a fastener for attaching the retaining clip to the framepasses.
 5. The roller skate of claim 3 wherein all of the clip portionsare formed from a continuous bent metal strip.
 6. The roller skate ofclaim 1 wherein a frame cap is secured to a top forward surface of theframe.
 7. The roller skate of claim 6 wherein the frame cap has athrough-hole, a fastener passes through the through-hole and into anopening in the frame and the fastener securing the retaining clip to theframe.
 8. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the front wheel isgenerally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels liein different planes.
 9. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein at least oneof the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with atleast five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber anda tire on the hub.
 10. The roller skate of claim 9 wherein the at leastfive percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbonfiber.
 11. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the frame is made ofurethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiberor at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.
 12. Theroller skate of claim 1 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to theframe.
 13. The roller skate of claim 12 further comprising a bootfastened to and in the boot cradle.
 14. The roller skate of claim 1wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethanefront tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rearhub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.
 15. The roller skate ofclaim 1 wherein the rear wheel passes downwardly to near or through acenter vertical longitudinal plane of the roller skate.
 16. The rollerskate of claim 1 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and aribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and theribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings.
 17. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein theframe includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction outfrom an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forwardlateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending ina lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame andincluding therein the aft lateral side opening.
 18. A roller skatecomprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at aforward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aftportion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axleextending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the frontwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axleextending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rearwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a boot cradleattached to the frame; the cradle including first and second postsextending in a lateral direction outwardly towards the rear wheel; and awheelguard having first and second openings in which the first andsecond posts, respectively, are positioned and secured thereto.
 19. Theroller skate of claim 18 wherein the posts are tapered.
 20. The rollerskate of claim 18 wherein the posts are integrally formed with the bootcradle.
 21. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein screws pass through thewheelguard and into the posts.
 22. The roller skate of claim 18 whereinthe posts are tapered and integrally formed with the boot cradle, andscrews pass through the wheelguard and into the posts.
 23. The rollerskate of claim 18 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than therear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes. 24.The roller skate of claim 18 wherein at least one of the wheels includesa hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbonfiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub. 25.The roller skate of claim 24 wherein the at least five percent carbonfiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.
 26. The rollerskate of claim 18 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon-basedplastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-fivepercent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.
 27. The roller skate of claim18 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.
 28. Theroller skate of claim 27 further comprising a boot fastened to and inthe boot cradle.
 29. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the frontwheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on thefront hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethanerear tire on the rear hub.
 30. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein theframe has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbed configuration inside of andsecured to the sidewall, and the ribbed configuration includes aplurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.
 31. Theroller skate of claim 18 wherein the frame includes a forward memberextending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frameand including therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frameincludes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from theoutboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral sideopening.
 32. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forwardlateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateralside opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skaterear wheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side openingand supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to theframe; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening andsupporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to theframe; and a frame cap secured to a forward top surface of the frame.33. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame cap includes a flatplate.
 34. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame cap has athrough-hole and a fastener passes through the through-hole and into anopening in the frame.
 35. The roller skate of claim 34 furthercomprising an axle nut retaining clip, and the fastener securing theretaining clip to the frame.
 36. The roller skate of claim 32 whereinthe front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the frontand rear wheels lie in different planes.
 37. The roller skate of claim32 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed ofurethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or atleast five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.
 38. The rollerskate of claim 37 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber isgenerally less than forty percent carbon fiber.
 39. The roller skate ofclaim 32 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon-based plasticswith at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percentglass fiber or Long Glass fiber.
 40. The roller skate of claim 32wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethanefront tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rearhub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.
 41. The roller skate ofclaim 32 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbedconfiguration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbedconfiguration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings.
 42. The roller skate of claim 32 whereinthe frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction outfrom an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forwardlateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending ina lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame andincluding therein the aft lateral side opening.
 43. A roller skatecomprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at aforward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aftportion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axleextending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the frontwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axleextending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rearwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; one of the frontor rear wheels including a bearing race through which the front or rearaxle passes; and a wheelwasher between the frame and the bearing race,the wheelwasher having a flat back surface abutting the frame and araised inner ring on a wheelwasher front surface against the bearingrace and promoting free spinning of the front of rear wheel, and theraised inner ring being dimensioned so that only the inner race of theinboard bearing is contacted by the wheelwasher.
 44. The roller skate ofclaim 43 wherein the wheelwasher has an inner diameter of generally 10mm, an outer diameter of generally 20 mm, and the raised inner ring hasan outer diameter of generally 15 mm, and the inner ring is raisedgenerally 0.50 mm off of the 1.0 mm support ring, and the wheelwasher ismade of metal.
 45. The roller skate of claim 43 further comprising thefront of rear wheel being the front wheel, the bearing being a frontbearing, the front or rear axle being the front axle, the wheelwasherbeing a front wheelwasher, the rear wheel including a rear bearing racethrough which the rear axle passes, and a rear wheelwasher between theframe and the rear bearing, the rear wheelwasher having a flat backsurface abutting the frame and the raised inner ring on a front surfacethereof against the rear bearing and promoting free spinning of the rearwheel.
 46. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the front or rear axlepasses through the wheelwasher.
 47. The roller skate of claim 43 whereinthe bearing race defines an inside bearing race, the front or rear wheelincludes an outside bearing race and a bearing spacer sandwiched betweenthe inside bearing race and the outside bearing race.
 48. The rollerskate of claim 43 wherein the axle has a stepped configuration, and theforward lateral side opening has a corresponding stepped configurationand a retaining nut is secured to an end of the axle abutting a surfaceof the frame at the end of the forward lateral side opening.
 49. Theroller skate of claim 43 wherein the frame is an injection-moldedplastic frame.
 50. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the front wheelis generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheelslie in different planes.
 51. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein atleast one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plasticwith at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glassfiber and a tire on the hub.
 52. The roller skate of claim 51 whereinthe at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than fortypercent carbon fiber.
 53. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the frameis made of urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percentcarbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glassfiber.
 54. The roller skate of claim 43 further comprising a boot cradlefastened to the frame.
 55. The roller skate of claim 54 furthercomprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.
 56. The rollerskate of claim 43 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front huband a urethane front tire on the front hub, and the rear wheel includesa plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.
 57. Theroller skate of claim 43 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall anda ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and theribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings.
 58. The roller skate of claim 43 whereinthe frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction outfrom an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forwardlateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending ina lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame andincluding therein the aft lateral side opening.
 59. A roller skatecomprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at aforward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aftportion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axleextending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the frontwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axleextending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rearwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; the axle having astepped configuration; the forward lateral side opening having acorresponding stepped configuration; and a retaining nut is secured toan end of the axle and abutting a surface of the frame at the end of theforward lateral side opening.
 60. The roller skate of claim 59 furthercomprising a retaining clip secured to the frame and retaining theretaining nut in position relative to the frame.
 61. The roller skate ofclaim 59 wherein the frame is an injection-molded plastic frame.
 62. Theroller skate of claim 59 wherein the front wheel is generally smallerthan the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in differentplanes.
 63. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein at least one of thewheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at leastfive percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and atire on the hub.
 64. The roller skate of claim 63 wherein the at leastfive percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbonfiber.
 65. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein the frame is made ofurethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiberor at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.
 66. Theroller skate of claim 59 further comprising a boot cradle fastened tothe frame.
 67. The roller skate of claim 66 further comprising a bootfastened to and in the boot cradle.
 68. The roller skate of claim 59wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethanefront tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rearhub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.
 69. The roller skate ofclaim 59 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbedconfiguration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbedconfiguration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings.
 70. The roller skate of claim 59 whereinthe frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction outfrom an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forwardlateral side opening, and the frame further includes a rear memberextending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frameand including therein the aft lateral side opening.
 71. A roller skatecomprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at aforward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aftportion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axleextending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the frontwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axleextending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rearwheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a brake armassembly attached to and extending out from the frame; the brake armassembly including a brake arm and a brake pad attached to the brakearm; and the brake arm assembly including an assembly recessed areaimmediately adjacent to the rear wheel and for the rear wheel.
 72. Theroller skate of claim 71 wherein the brake arm includes a brake armrecessed area for the rear wheel.
 73. The roller skate of claim 71wherein the brake pad includes a brake pad recessed area for the rearwheel.
 74. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the brake arm includes abrake arm recessed area for the rear wheel and the brake pad recessedarea and the brake arm recessed area together form the assembly recessedarea.
 75. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame has a verticalthrough-hole, a fastener having a head at one end and an opposite end,the fastener passing up through the brake arm through-hole and into theframe through-hole with the head abutting a lower surface of the brakearm, and a cap secured to the opposite end.
 76. The roller skate ofclaim 75 wherein the opposite end is threaded into the cap.
 77. Theroller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame is an injection-moldedplastic frame.
 78. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the front wheelis generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheelslie in different planes.
 79. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein atleast one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plasticwith at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glassfiber and a tire on the hub.
 80. The roller skate of claim 79 whereinthe at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than fortypercent carbon fiber.
 81. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frameis made of urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percentcarbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glassfiber.
 82. The roller skate of claim 71 further comprising a boot cradlefastened to the frame.
 83. The roller skate of claim 82 furthercomprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.
 84. The rollerskate of claim 71 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front huband a urethane front tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes aplastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.
 85. Theroller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall anda ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and theribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings.
 86. The roller skate of claim 71 whereinthe frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction outfrom an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forwardlateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending ina lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame andincluding therein the aft lateral side opening.
 87. A roller skatecomprising: a skate frame having an outboard side edge, a frame forwardmember secured to and extending in a lateral direction out from the sideedge, and a frame rearward member secured to and extending in a lateraldirection out from the side edge and spaced rearwardly from the frameforward member; the frame forward member having an opening extendingdownwardly and outwardly; the frame rearward member having an openingextending downwardly and outwardly; a skate front wheel; a skate rearwheel; a front axle extending into the frame forward member opening andsupporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to theframe; and a rear axle extending into the frame rearward member openingand supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to theframe.
 88. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the frame forward memberopening extends downwardly at an angle of between 15 and 40 degrees fromthe vertical, and the frame rearward member opening extends downwardlyat an angle of between 15 and 40 degrees from the vertical.
 89. Theroller skate of claim 87 wherein the frame forward member, the side edgeand the frame rearward member are integrally formed together.
 90. Theroller skate of claim 87 wherein the forward axle has a steppedconfiguration, and the forward lateral side opening has a correspondingstepped configuration.
 91. The roller skate of claim 87 furthercomprising a forward retaining nut secured to an end of the forward axleand abutting a surface of the frame at the end of the forward lateralside opening.
 92. The roller skate of claim 91 further comprising aforward retaining clip secured to the frame and retaining the forwardretaining nut in position relative to the frame.
 93. The roller skate ofclaim 87 wherein the rear axle has a stepped configuration, and the aftlateral side opening has a stepped configuration corresponding thereto.94. The roller skate of claim 87 further comprising a rear retaining nutsecured to an end of the rear axle and abutting a surface of the frameat the end of the rearward opening.
 95. The roller skate of claim 94further comprising a rear retaining clip secured to the frame andretaining the rear retaining nut in position.
 96. The roller skate ofclaim 87 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rearwheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.
 97. Theroller skate of claim 87 wherein at least one of the wheels includes ahub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbonfiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub. 98.The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the at least five percent carbonfiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.
 99. The rollerskate of claim 87 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to theframe.
 100. The roller skate of claim 99 further comprising a bootfastened to and in the boot cradle.
 101. The roller skate of claim 87wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethanefront tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rearhub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.
 102. The roller skate ofclaim 87 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbedconfiguration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbedconfiguration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed,fastener-receiving openings.
 103. A roller skate axle assembly,comprising: a roller skate frame having a side, downwardly-angled frameopening defining a chamber and an end member at an inward end of thechamber; the end member having a member opening communicating with thechamber and an end member outer face; a stepped axle having a bodyportion and a tip end extending out from the body portion; a portion ofthe body portion being positioned in the chamber; a retaining nut on thetip end and at the outer face and holding the axle to the frame; andmeans for resiliently retaining the retaining nut against the end memberouter face.
 104. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein the retainingmeans includes a retainer member having a first portion secured to theframe and a second portion having a retainer member hole, the secondportion abutting a face of the nut, and the tip end passing through themember opening, the nut and the retainer member hole.
 105. The axleassembly of claim 104 wherein the retainer member includes a memberportion which wraps down onto a side of the nut.
 106. The axle assemblyof claim 104 wherein the retainer member includes a connector portionconnecting the first and second portions.
 107. The axle assembly ofclaim 104 wherein the first portion includes a first portion hole, andfurther comprising a fastener passing through the first portion hole andinto the frame.
 108. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein theretaining means comprises a resilient retainer clip.
 109. The axleassembly of claim 103 further comprising a wheelwasher abutting an outersurface of the frame and having a washer opening aligned with the frameopening.
 110. The axle assembly of claim 109 wherein the wheelwasher hasa stepped configuration with a projecting inner ring on an outward facethereof for abutting a bearing race of a skate wheel attached to theaxle.
 111. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein the frame is aninjection-molded plastic frame.
 112. The axle assembly of claim 103wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon-based plastics with atleast five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glassfiber or Long Glass fiber.